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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 13 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Cruisin' Robin Seymour/Duane Eddy
From: John Henderson
2. Brian Wilson Christmas Album preview
From: Susan
3. Hurting Each Other original in musica
From: David A. Young
4. Re: The Dixie Cups stranded in Tampa after Katrina
From: Laura Pinto
5. Jean Thomas discography questions?
From: Ken Charmer
6. "Sold more records than The Beatles and Elvis"
From: Ray
7. Recording studios
From: Greg
8. "Here I Am"/"Hurting Each Other"/Brooks Arthur
From: Phil Chapman
9. Re: "Here I Am"; Jack Hammer
From: Davie Gordon
10. Re: Zizz, Teddy Vann and telephones...
From: Hasse Huss
11. Re: Sunflower, the label
From: Sidtrea
12. Re: I Can't Get Sunday Out Of My Mind, The Changing Scene, Millrose-Bernstein
From: Davie Gordon
13. Myrmidons of Melodrama CDs
From: Laura Taylor
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Message: 1
Date: Tue, 04 Oct 2005 20:49:38 -0000
From: John Henderson
Subject: Re: Cruisin' Robin Seymour/Duane Eddy
Ken Haller:
> A highlight was the time I picked up Duane Eddy one Sat morning
> and had breakfast with him, Al Martino and Mrs. Siegel the wife
> of Elmwood owner Al Siegel. Duane was Martino's guitarist during
> that gig.
Great story about Robin Seymour, CKLW, The Elmwood and Duane Eddy.
Around that time I was in Sarnia working as a radio newsperson and
Duane was playing with Al Martino at the Top Hat in Windsor. As a
Duane Eddy fan for years I thought I would call and see if I could
reach him. The legend took my call and was kind enough to spend a
good 15 minutes "shooting the breeze" with a fan. Unforgettable,
more than a Nat Cole tune!
John Henderson
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Message: 2
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2005 15:44:41 EDT
From: Susan
Subject: Brian Wilson Christmas Album preview
For those who are interested, there are five tracks
that may be heard in their entirety when linked from
http://www.brianwilson.com - including the new song
"Chrismasey". Brian's band is very present instrumentally
and vocally - this is NOT a BW-only vocal exercise!
The BW fan community seems to be all over the place in
their assessment of these tracks, and I'll be interested
in what some of you have to say.
Susan
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Message: 3
Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2005 04:03:04 -0000
From: David A. Young
Subject: Hurting Each Other original in musica
Hi, gang,
I wish I could help Julio out more with his request, but
I'm afraid I don't know much about the songwriting/production
team of Gary Geld and Peter Udell except what we all know:
They are responsible for some damn fine records. At or near
the top of that list, for me, is Jimmy Clanton's version of
"Hurting Each Other", written and produced by the duo, which
is now playing in musica. (They also share composer and producer
duties on the flip, "Don't Keep Your Friends Away.")
Ruby and the Romantics' 1969 rendition of the song is often
cited (including by Richard Carpenter) as the original, but
in fact this one, on the mighty Mala label, dates from four
years earlier. It was released soon after The Righteous Brothers'
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling"; the influences are obvious.
Jeffrey Foskett, in turn, clearly used Clanton's recording as
the template for his awesome 1997 remake of the tune, which I
assure you would be of great interest to any Spectropopper not
already aware of it.
David A. Young
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Message: 4
Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2005 00:26:36 -0000
From: Laura Pinto
Subject: Re: The Dixie Cups stranded in Tampa after Katrina
Hi again,
Further to the topic of The Dixie Cups' unplanned stay
in Florida, here's the direct link to a writeup and a
video of the two Hawkins sisters, who were interviewed
by my local TV station at their Tampa hotel:
http://www.tampabays10.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=19595
Laura
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Message: 5
Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2005 18:07:30 +0200
From: Ken Charmer
Subject: Jean Thomas discography questions?
As The UK Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Collectors
group have been researching Bob Crewe's productions we
have also been researching Jean Thomas's solo and group
discography with her help, and it has been a case of surprises.
She has challenged some long-standing assertions about her
involvement in certain groups, and some new tracks have surfaced.
First the questioned tracks....
*Angie and the Chicklettes*
Both John Clemente's book 'Girl Groups' and the Cha Cha Charming
website indicate her involvement and whilst the lead vocal sounds
like Jean on "Tommy" it is almost certainly not her singing lead
on "Treat Him Tender, Maureen". Jean doesn't believe she is on
either of these lead vocals but accepts she may be on backing
vocals added to the mix. So where did the story that she is
definitely on this single come from?
*The Candy Girls*
"Runaround (Baby, Baby)" Rotate 5005 probably features Jean on
backing vocals, she admits, but who wrote this Crewe produced
track and can anyone confirm the group line-up?
Secondly the following, new to us, tracks have been confirmed
as additions.
*"Working Girl" - Jean Fox 1966*
This solo track by Jean on Jay Gee Records has just been discovered
as a double 'A' side promo. (Rainy Day Records 8007). But was it
ever released with a 'B' side? If so, what? It was recorded in 1966
just after she married Ray Fox and was produced by Chip Taylor.
*Final 60's solo release*
Another single has been found on Minuteman 2006 recorded in 1966.
"You're The Root Of My Evil" is a powerful Spectorish arrangement
with intense vocal by Jean. The B side, "All You Had To Do Was Love
Me" was also a powerful arrangement. The single was produced by
brother Don Thomas and Bill Szymczsk.
*Remaining question*
The Beach Girls track may have recorded another single apart from
"Ski-ing In The Snow". "He's My Surfin' Guy" appears on a Surf
compilation CD but did it ever get a vinyl release, was there a
'B' side, is it the same group and who were the writers/producer?
Her discography runs to around 30 tracks and when complete will be
posted to the Spectropop team.
Ken Charmer
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Message: 6
Date: Tue, 04 Oct 2005 23:56:00 -0000
From: Ray
Subject: "Sold more records than The Beatles and Elvis"
I'm thinking this must be da place to ask this!
Back in the '70s, I believe, there was a commercial
for "Slim Whitman's Greatest Hits" on cable channels
everywhere. In the ad it was stated "He has sold more
records than the Beatles and Elvis." How was this claim
justifed? Another thing, on that show from a couple of
weeks ago, where they were trying to find a new member
for the group TLC, they said they had sold more records
than any other girl group! How can these things be?
Must I bring back the spirit of Criswell to help me
find the answers, or does one of my fellow Spec-poppers
know how to solve these mysteries?
Thanks,
Ray
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Message: 7
Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2005 01:59:48 -0000
From: Greg
Subject: Recording studios
Hi Everyone,
This is my first post to the group; my name is Greg
and I'm down in Australia. I hope over time I can fall
into a few discussions here as well as learn a few things.
In a few weeks I'll be visiting the States for the first time.
Apart from seeing the usual things, the *main* thing I'm excited
about seeing, or finding, are the recording studios in New York
where so much music that I adore has been recorded. I realise a
lot of these studios no longer exist, but I hope to at least try
and find the locations.
The three I'm really trying to hunt down are:
'The Record Plant' in New York. This is where Phil recorded a
lot with John Lennon. I think it may have been on West 44th St?
'The Hit Factory'. I know this moved in 1991 to West 54th Street,
but I believe in around 1980 it was on West 48th Street .. but I
can't find the exact location for it
'CBS Recording Studios'. Again, I think these were on East 52nd
street?
For a first-time visitor to New York, what are the other 'must
see' things in regard to the history of the music scene? Please
reply to me off-list.
Thanks heaps,
Greg xoxo
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Message: 8
Date: Wed, 5 Oct 2005 22:57:22 +0100
From: Phil Chapman
Subject: "Here I Am"/"Hurting Each Other"/Brooks Arthur
Peter Richmond a écrit:
> One of life's great mysteries still remains - the final Righteous
> Brothers Verve single "Here I Am" (produced by Mickey Stevenson),
> one of my favourite tracks by them, has never found it's way on
> to any compilation, bootleg or legitimate, vinyl or CD.
Peter, I have the UK 45 of Mickey Stevenson's own version of
"Here I Am", which I like a lot. I can't determine if it was
ever released in the U.S. The structure of the song is different.
I get the feeling, about both versions, that the song was possibly
written to be much longer, but edited for a single.
Have a listen, it's in musica:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/spectropop/files/musica
The flip of this oddity is a rather spirited little number entitled
"Joe Poor Loves Daphne Elizabeth Rich". The label credits the writer
as J. Hammer. BMI lists it as by Earl Burrows (also credited with
"Great Balls Of Fire"). Does anybody have any info on the song
and/or other versions?
David:
> I'm afraid I don't know much about the songwriting/production
> team of Gary Geld and Peter Udell except what we all know:
> They are responsible for some damn fine records. At or near
> the top of that list, for me, is Jimmy Clanton's version of
> "Hurting Each Other", written and produced by the duo, which
> is now playing in musica. (They also share composer and producer
> duties on the flip, "Don't Keep Your Friends Away.")
The team did the same a year later with Ruth Lewis on RCA 47-8859:
"Hurting Each Other"/"That Special Way" - the production is
not quite as atmospheric, and the vocal's a little straight,
but Ruth occasionally has a tonal quality not dissimilar to
Ruby (of R & the Romantics). I've played it to musica FYI.
Incidentally, the first version I heard of "Hurting Each Other"
was from one of the Walker Brothers early LPs, and although it
was appropriately Spector-styled it didn't quite do it for me.
I look forward to the fruits of Mick's research into the career
of Brooks Arthur, who recorded, amongst numerous tracks, one of
my all time Spector favourites, The Crystals' "I Wonder". Possibly
one of the most saturated 45s ever. Curiously, only a UK release.
In some recent email exchanges, Brooks has been extremely courteous
and responded with gratitude to any interest shown in his work.
PC
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Message: 9
Date: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 13:09:39 -0000
From: Davie Gordon
Subject: Re: "Here I Am"; Jack Hammer
Peter Richmond wrote:
> One of life's great mysteries still remains - the final Righteous
> Brothers Verve single "Here I Am" (produced by Mickey Stevenson),
> one of my favourite tracks by them, has never found it's way on
> to any compilation, bootleg or legitimate, vinyl or CD.
Phil Chapman wrote:
> Peter, I have the UK 45 of Mickey Stevenson's own version of
> "Here I Am", which I like a lot. I can't determine if it was
> ever released in the U.S.
I've no trace of a US release either. Mickey Stevenson came over to the UK in
'72 shopping various masters and did a deal with Ember to release that single
and album. The album's a hard one to find -- I've yet to see an actual copy.
Phil again:
> The flip of this oddity is a rather spirited little number entitled
> "Joe Poor Loves Daphne Elizabeth Rich". The label credits the writer
> as J. Hammer. BMI lists it as by Earl Burrows (also credited with
> "Great Balls Of Fire"). Does anybody have any info on the song
> and/or other versions?
That would be Jack Hammer. Maybe Earl Burrows is his real name.
Davie
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Message: 10
Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 05:34:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: Hasse Huss
Subject: Re: Zizz, Teddy Vann and telephones...
Davie Gordon wrote:
> I'd agree with Hans that the Zizz label seems to have
> been a one-shot as I've yet to come across anything
> else on the label. Incidentally does the Freddie Willaims
> single have a number?
The Freddie Williams single on Zizz has no number on the label, but etched
in the run-out grooves -- next to the Bell Sound matrix stamp -- is 001-A and
001-B. The label has a NYC telephone number, IN9-8797, which I'd love to
think was Teddy Vann's own. As in many other cities, mine included, I believe
it used to be possible to tell the location from the first digits (or letters)
of a telephone number. New Yorkers on the list may be able to place IN9
more exactly.
Found this lovely quote on the Internet. Not strictly Spectropop territory perhaps,
but certainly not straying too far:
"You could learn about a fella by knowing his exchange. A MOnument fella
was up near 100th Street and West End Avenue. You could picture him coming
downtown on the IRT, strolling first to 96th and Broadway for the newspapers,
passing the Riviera and Riverside movie theaters (both gone). The ATwater girl
was an East Side girl, a taxi-hailing girl, on her way to her job at Benton and
Bowles. A CIrcle fella was a midtown fella, entering his CIrcle-7 Carnegie-area
office with a sandwich from the Stage Deli. And what about a SPring-7 girl,
twirling the ends of her long brown hair as she lay on her bed talking to you
on the phone? A Greenwich Village girl. A 777 girl is nothing. She is invisible.
She is without irony, seldom listens to music."
(Jonathan Schwartz, New York Magazine, December 21-28, 1987, in Ellen Stern
and Emily Gwathmey (eds.) (1994), Once Upon a Telephone: An Illustrated Social
History. New York: Harcourt Brace and Company.)
http://www.privateline.com/TelephoneHistory3A/numbers.html
Will try to post a scan of Mr. Vann to the Photo Section tonight. I look forward
to learning about more records he's worked on. Does anyone know if he is still
with us?
Hasse Huss
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Message: 11
Date: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 03:42:23 -0000
From: Sidtrea
Subject: Re: Sunflower, the label
Les Fradkin wrote:
> The artists on Sunflower were: 45RPM's - Fearles Fradkin (yours
> truly), Patti Williams (R&B Singer), The Yummies (My bubblegum
> release), Wednesday's Children (A Rich Delvy Production) ...
What ever happened to this label? Who owned it? Have the records been
rereleased?
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Message: 12
Date: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 13:00:54 -0000
From: Davie Gordon
Subject: Re: I Can't Get Sunday Out Of My Mind, The Changing Scene, Millrose-Bernstein
Lyn Nuttall wrote:
> I've been researching "I Can't Get Sunday Out Of My Mind" written
> by Alan Bernstein & Victor Millrose. The song was a minor hit by
> Rod Kirkham in Australia in '73, also recorded by New Zealand band
> Chapta in '71.
> It's hard to find out anything about US versions by:
> The Changing Scene on self-titled album on Avco #33016 (early?)
> 1970
> Bobby Corrado, single on Mercury #72993 (mid?) 1970
> Chris Holland, single on Capitol #2976 (mid? late?) 1970 (not the
> British keyboardist)
Looks to me as if the Bobby Corrado is the original
Bobby Corrado - 12/69 prod : Bernstein - Millrose
Chris Holland - 12/70 prod : ?
The Chris Holland single's probably produced by the same team as it
has the same song on the B-side as the Bobby Corrado.
Holland is probably the same guy who had a single on Rare Earth in
1972 as Chris Holland and T-Bone, but there doesn't seem to be any
Bernstein-Millrose involvement on that one.
I've often wondered if Vic Millrose was involved the Victor in Victor
and The Spoils who had two singles on Philips in 66-67. At least one
of their songs "Lonely Memories" was written by Vic Millrose (with
Tony Bruno).
The Changing Scene single's from roughly 6/70 presumably issued at
the same time as their album.
There's a Fontana single from '69 by a group called The Changing Scene
but I don't know if it's the same group as on Avco. The Fontana single
was produced by Dan Oriolo, co-written by Oriolo and Bobby Flax. If
either of those names crops up on the Avco album (which I've never
seen) I think we can safely take it they're the same group.
Hope this helps,
Davie
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Message: 13
Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2005 00:53:35 -0000
From: Laura Taylor
Subject: Myrmidons of Melodrama CDs
I think there's a few different versions of 'Myrmidons
Of Melodrama'. How do I find the one that has the most
amount of mono and least amount of stereo? Different
cover, copyright date, song lineup?
Laura Taylor
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